One in five drivers expect to switch to an electric vehicle this year as running costs for petrol and diesel drivers push motorists towards greener cars.
According to new research, a growing number of motorists will be looking to cut running costs this year, with electric cars found to be a cheaper alternative.
Research found that 19 per cent of UK drivers are planning to buy an electric vehicle this year, with interest increasingly focused on the second-hand market.
The figures showed a sharp rise in demand for used electric cars, with online searches increasing by 23 per cent over the past year and a further 12 per cent jump in just the past week.
Industry experts explained the surge reflects ongoing cost-of-living pressures, with many drivers seeking cheaper alternatives to new EVs while still making the move away from petrol and diesel.
However, buyers have been warned that purchasing a used electric car without the right checks could lead to unexpected and expensive repairs.
Alex Lee, automotive expert at Dick Lovett, said motorists need to approach the used EV market with caution, particularly when it comes to battery condition.
“The battery is the most expensive component of an electric vehicle, and it’s the first thing any buyer should be asking about,” he said. “Over time, all EV batteries lose a little of their capacity, which means they can’t travel quite as far between charges.”
Electric vehicles could see a huge uptake due to lower prices in the used car market | GETTY/PA
He explained that a car which offered 250 miles of range when new may realistically deliver closer to 220 miles after several years of use.
“Buyers should always ask for a battery State of Health report before purchasing,” Mr Lee said. “This shows how much usable life the battery still has, and as a general rule, an SoH above 80 per cent is considered healthy.”
He also urged drivers to check whether the battery is still covered by the manufacturer‘s warranty. “For many brands, battery warranties last up to eight years or 100,000 miles,“ he said.
“Replacing a worn battery can cost anywhere between £4,000 and £16,500 depending on the make and model, so checking this upfront could save buyers a huge bill later on.”
While electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, Mr Lee stressed that servicing and maintenance should not be overlooked.
He said: Brakes, tyres and suspension should all be checked, and a full service history gives reassurance that the car has been looked after.
“Many electric cars receive software updates that can improve efficiency, range or onboard features. Some updates are installed during servicing, while others are delivered over the air.
“When buying used, it‘s important to ask whether the car is running the latest software version and whether it has been serviced at manufacturer-approved centres.“
The report found that one out of five drivers would be looking to buy an electric car this year
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PAFor drivers considering home charging, the standard installation costs usually range from £800 to £1,200, although Government grants may help reduce this.
“If home charging isn’t possible, buyers should look into local on-street charging schemes or workplace facilities,” he said. “Relying solely on public charging can make EV ownership more expensive and less convenient.”
Meanwhile, range remains one of the biggest concerns for drivers considering electric vehicles, particularly when buying used.
“Newer electric cars often offer ranges of 250 to 300 miles, while many older models deliver between 100 and 150 miles,” Mr Lee added.